Is girl able to take out competitor? (9)

I believe the answer is:

candidate

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'competitor?' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'is girl able to take out' is the wordplay.
'is girl' becomes 'Di' (short for Diane or Diana).
'able' becomes 'can'.
'to take' becomes 'date' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'out' indicates putting letters inside.
'can'+'date'='candate'
'di' put within 'candate' is 'CANDIDATE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for candidate that I've seen before include "One hoping to be chosen" , "Applicant, nominee 99)" , "prospective employee?" , "Campaigner" , "Election nominee" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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